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32 Issue 567. November 2014
BREAKING THE
LANGUAGE BARRIER
Public speaking is hard enough without the added difficulty of delivering
in a foreign language. But with the right approach, anyone can learn to give
an effective speech in another language. We turned to some multilingual
Rotary leaders for tips on getting your message across.
DON’T OVERTHINK IT. “Just speak,” says 2005-06 RI President Carl-
Wilhelm Stenhammar, whose first language is Swedish. “Even if
the grammar is wrong, just go ahead.” According to Rotary
International speechwriter Abby Breitstein, it helps to remember
that audiences are there to hear what you have to say, not to find
out how well you speak their language.
FIND YOUR COMFORT ZONE. If you’re presenting in a second language,
learn what suits your proficiency level. Less-proficient speakers may
need to write out the entire speech, while others will feel comfortable
with an outline. Bhichai Rattakul, 2002-03 RI president, adapts
to the occasion. A native Thai speaker who also speaks English and
Chinese, he uses scripted speeches for formal events but works
from notes in more casual settings.
PRACTICE UNTIL PERFECT. “Even if you have a written speech, prepare
it so much that you almost know it by heart,” Stenhammar says.
Breitstein suggests rehearsing into a voice recorder to hear how you
sound, especially if you’re trying to fine-tune foreign pronunciations.
HOLD THE JOKES. Humor doesn’t always translate, so use it sparingly
–
or not at all. “Some people love jokes, but I am quite serious
when I speak,” says Rattakul, who prefers using memorable
anecdotes to connect with listeners. “Especially in Rotary, I find a
good story that would touch the hearts of the audience,” he says.
62
THE ROTARIAN | NOVEMBER 2014
CANADA
DON’T forget it’s good practice to pro-
vide English and French translations of
documents when working in Quebec.
ARGENTINA
DO be aware that as business
friendships develop in Argentina,
kissing, hugging, and back patting
often follow handshakes. Follow the
lead of your Argentine counterparts.
nov14-Global OutlookJEN.indd 62
9/10/14 10:00 AM
32 Issue 567. November 2014